The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) has pulled in $120 billion worth of trade and investment deals across its first three editions.
This was announced by Olusegun Obasanjo, chairman of the IATF advisory council, during the opening day of the 2025 edition in Algiers, Algeria.
“The IATF has proven its place as Africa’s leading trade and investment platform,” Obasanjo said. “Over three editions, deals worth $120 billion have been generated.”
The fair is organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat. Since its inception, it has grown steadily, attracting global investors and African businesses alike.
Growing Trade Commitments Across Africa
The African Union Commission confirmed that the inaugural fair in Cairo in 2018 brought in $32 billion in commitments.
By 2021, in Durban, South Africa, commitments jumped to $42 billion. The last edition in 2023, hosted again in Cairo, added another $43 billion.
“The trajectory shows Africa’s determination to build trade bridges within the continent,” said Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, president of the African Union Commission, who was represented at the event.
Obasanjo recalled the 2018 Cairo fair, where a landmark $2.9 billion hydropower deal was signed. Egyptian firms El Sewedy Electric and Arab Contractors partnered with Tanzania to deliver 2,115 megawatts of clean power for over six million people.
He said projects of such scale show how the IATF connects governments, companies, and financiers to confront Africa’s toughest challenges.
Nigeria to Host 2027 Trade Fair
Nigeria has now been confirmed as the next host of the fair. Lagos will welcome the 2027 edition.
Minister of Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, accepted the hosting flag on behalf of the Federal Government.
For Nigeria, the event promises to spotlight local industries, attract investors, and deepen its role in African trade integration
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